Creating a Clutter-Free Kitchen: Minimalist Kitchen Essentials

Minimalism is a style that has become increasingly popular in the interior design world. This isn’t only because of its visual appeal, but also because it’s practical for any type of lifestyle. In this blog, we’ll share a few of our favorite minimalist kitchen essentials that are guaranteed to take your kitchen space to the next level.

How to Create a Minimalist Style Kitchen

Creating a minimalist kitchen can actually be much easier than you may think. Keeping a few simple tips in mind can make all the difference. Below, we’ve given you 3 steps you can follow as you begin to plan your kitchen design.

1. Keep It Light & Bright

If you’re choosing to create a minimalist-style kitchen because your space is smaller, you’ll want to take every opportunity you can to make your room feel larger and more open. There are some easy ways you can do this by focusing on the following elements:

• Color scheme
• Lighting
• Floor material

Color Scheme

Classic white is one of the most popular colors for minimalist kitchens since it does the best job of reflecting light (both natural and artificial), making the space feel brighter and bigger. However, if you find white is too harsh for your interior design style, you can also use neutral shades such as beige, grays, and light browns.

It’s important to remember that even if you’re using neutral tones, you will still have opportunities to add slight pops of color. Using plants is a great way to do this because they fit into the natural aesthetic of your kitchen style while also introducing shades of greens. Besides plants, you can add color by painting an accent wall or incorporating subtle touches of blues, greens, and yellows throughout your kitchen.

Lighting

The next element to consider when creating the illusion of space is light. You’ll want to emphasize as much natural light as possible. This means lots of windows or even a skylight. Try keeping your window dressings or curtains open and to a minimum so the light has a chance to get in during the day.

If you don’t have access to a lot of windows there’s no need to stress. There are other approaches you can take to brighten a room. Consider installing glass cabinets rather than solid ones. The glass will reflect light and give the illusion of depth, making smaller spaces seem larger. Plus, a glass cabinet gives you the opportunity to put items you love on display.

One more option to open a smaller space is to hang mirrors on your walls. This tactic is a great way to add a little personality to your kitchen. To get the most out of this technique, try matching your mirrors with a light source. Doing this will boost the room’s brightness and add dimension.

Flooring Material

The flooring of your kitchen also plays a key role in your minimalist kitchen design. When homeowners use dark, heavy-looking hardwood it has the effect of making rooms feel closed in and small.

Instead, try installing light wood flooring, polished concrete, or ceramic tiles. These options are not only durable and modern, but they also keep the room light and bright.

If you’re worried about your space feeling cold or bare, we recommend adding extra dimensions and soft touches. You can do this by getting neutral-colored rugs that compliment the rest of your minimalist kitchen style. Adding these can do wonders in boosting visual appeal and making the space more comfortable.

2. Mix Form With Function

The key to developing a successful minimalist kitchen design is blending form with functionality. There are many kitchen storage solutions you can implement that will make your space look more visually appealing while also keeping things in order.

For example, consider storing dry goods and other pantry items in uniform containers. These glass storage jars will keep your food fresh while also making your space look cohesive and modern. You can also use large bowls or baskets to hold fruits and veggies, this will put them on display and free up space in the refrigerator or counter.

The use of vertical space can be extremely beneficial as well. Instead of solely using cabinet space for storage, consider adding floating shelves to store dishes, pots, spices, or other often used items. You can also free up space by hanging kitchen items like pots, pans, or utensils. Doing little things like this will make your kitchen more accessible while still emphasizing the minimalist style.

3. Embrace Any Extra Space

A key aspect of any minimalist style is learning to embrace any extra space you may have. One way to do this is by adopting clean lines to generate a clear kitchen area. Installing invisible pulls on your cabinets and drawers by limiting hardware such as knobs and handles can instantly transform your space.

Next, you may want to consider getting rid of your kitchen table. Large, bulky pieces of furniture can kill a minimalist design. Incorporating a bar or island with stools saves space and works just as well when serving your family or guests. Not only will you have more room to move around, but kitchen bars and islands work in establishing a focal point in your space and adding visual appeal.

Finally, remember to declutter your kitchen countertops. Save your countertop space for everyday must-haves like a coffee maker, spices, or frequently used cooking utensils. If you don’t like the look of a completely bare counter, consider using simple decorations such as a fruit bowl or a vase of flowers.

Minimalist Kitchen Essentials Checklist

Now that you have your kitchen layout and design straightened out, it’s time to turn your focus to the minimalist kitchen essentials that every household needs. Below, we’ve provided a checklist you can use to begin stocking your kitchen space.

Cooking Equipment

Whether you’re an experienced chef in your kitchen or you’re just beginning to get into cooking, there are certain pieces of equipment you’ll want to ensure you have at the ready. As you’re considering what deserves a spot in your cooking space, remember that less is more. You’ll be surprised at how far a few essentials will get you.

• 1 set of tongs
• 1-2 wooden spoons
• 1-2 spatulas
• 1 wire whisk
• 1 set of measuring spoons
• 1 set of measuring cups
• 1 large cutting board
• 1 peeler
• 1 can opener
• 1 knife sharpener
• 1 colander
• 3 nesting mixing bowls

Dishes

The important thing to remember when choosing minimalist kitchen essentials is how many people you’re going to be serving on a daily basis. The number of dishes you have in your kitchen space will depend heavily on the size of your household.

For example, if it’s a 1-2 person household, you’ll only need about 2-4 sets of each type of dish. On the other hand, if you’re working with a family of 3 or 4 you may want to opt for 4-6 sets of each type of dish.

• Dinner plates
• Salad plates
• Bowls
• Glasses
• Mugs

Pots & Pans

It’s a common misconception that you should have a variety of pots and pans for all types of recipes. However, this usually leaves people with stacks of unnecessary cookware when they’re really only using a select few. Being strategic when you choose your kitchenware could go a long way in saving storage space.

• 1 saucepan
• 1-2 cast iron skillets (different sizes)
• 2 baking sheets
• 1 pasta pot (we recommend a size between 6-8 quarts)

Knives

It’s no secret knives play a key role in any kitchen space, but that doesn’t mean you need an entire set. Believe it or not, if you choose the right kind of knife, you’ll truthfully only need three.

Buying knives for your kitchen should be treated as an investment. Since you’re only purchasing three, feel free to spend a little more. If taken care of properly, these knives should last you a while.

• 1 chef’s knife
• 1 serrated knife
• 1 paring knife

Extras

One good practice to follow when constructing a minimalist kitchen design is to have very little or no electronic kitchen appliances. These tend to take up a lot of space, and because they require outlets, are usually left sitting on your countertop.

Now, while there are certain appliances that you may feel are necessary for you and your family, we recommend finding manual accessories when possible.

• Pour over coffee maker
• Immersion blender (Note: This is electronic, but because of its small size,  it can be easily stored in a cabinet and is easy to clean)
• Citrus juicer and reamer

Remember, just because you choose to plan a minimalist kitchen, you still have the opportunity to add pieces of your style into the design. Whether you’re remodeling your entire kitchen space, or simply cutting back on accessories, don’t be afraid to be creative with your minimalist kitchen essentials.

This blog was originally published on May 29, 2020. It was updated on September 27, 2022.